Sampling devices and methods for concentrating microorganisms

Abstract

The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for concentrating microorganisms comprising the steps of:
 providing a sampling device comprising
 a unitary first compartment comprising: 
 a first reservoir having a first volume; 
 a second reservoir having a second volume at least one resealable external opening; and 
 
 a passageway connecting the first reservoir to the second reservoir, the passageway having an opening that provides fluid communication between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the entire first volume is above the opening when the sampling device is in an upright position, wherein the entire second volume is not above the opening when the sampling device is in any position; and 
 a second component comprising a closure having a protrusion, the closure coupled to the at least one resealable external opening, wherein in a first position the protrusion permits fluid flow through the passageway and wherein in a second position the protrusion prevents fluid flow through the passageway; 
 mixing a concentration agent and a sample comprising a microorganism in the unitary sampling device to provide a microorganism bound composition; and 
 inverting the unitary sampling device such that the second reservoir is oriented substantially above the first reservoir for collecting a major portion of the microorganism bound composition from the second reservoir. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a unitary sampling device comprises providing a unitary sampling device wherein a ratio of the entire volume of the first reservoir to the entire volume of the second reservoir that is in a range of about 10:1 to about 1000:1. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a unitary sampling device further comprises providing a unitary sampling device wherein the first reservoir has a resealable external opening. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a unitary sampling device comprises providing a unitary sampling device wherein the passageway has a conical geometry. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a unitary sampling device comprises providing a unitary sampling device wherein the second opening is centered on an axis extending from a center of the first reservoir to the second reservoir. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a unitary sampling device comprises providing a unitary sampling device wherein the second opening is not centered on an axis extending from a center of the first reservoir to the second reservoir. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing a unitary sampling device further comprises providing a unitary sampling device wherein the resealable external opening has a closure comprising a protrusion which partially occludes the second opening of the passageway. 
     
     
       8. The method  claim 1 , wherein mixing a concentration agent and a sample comprising a microorganism in the unitary sampling device to provide a microorganism bound composition comprises mixing a concentration agent selected from the group consisting of particles with affinity ligands, particles without affinity ligands, antibodies or antigen binding fragments, receptors and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein mixing a concentration agent and a sample comprising a microorganism in the unitary sampling device to provide a microorganism bound composition further comprises mixing a concentration agent, a sample comprising a microorganism, and a buffer in the unitary sampling device. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein mixing a concentration agent and a sample comprising a microorganism in the unitary sampling device to provide a microorganism bound composition further comprises mixing a concentration agent, a sample comprising a microorganism, a detection agent and a growth medium in the unitary sampling device.